Belgian soldiers stationed in Antwerp’s Jewish neighborhood intervened on Friday night to prevent what appeared to be an attack on Chassidim leaving Kabbalas Shabbos, arresting a 28-year-old man who allegedly threatened pedestrians with an emergency hammer and behaved violently in the area.

According to sources, the incident occurred at approximately 8:20 p.m. on Lamorinièrestraat, one of the city’s main thoroughfares. The suspect allegedly confronted several Chassidim as they exited shul, threatening one man with an emergency hammer. He also knocked another person’s hat to the ground, shoved a passerby, and threw traffic signs onto the street.

Belgian soldiers deployed in the neighborhood quickly intervened and detained the suspect before anyone was injured.

Local police spokesman Wouter Bruyns confirmed that the man was arrested at the scene and will be questioned by investigators. “The suspect is known to police, among other things for public nuisance offenses and drug-related crimes,” the spokesman said.

Boruch Hashem, no injuries were reported.

The incident is the latest in a series of troubling episodes targeting Jewish communities across Europe in recent months, as many communities continue to contend with increasing harassment and antisemitic intimidation.

Antwerp is home to one of Europe’s largest and most vibrant chareidi communities, with thousands of Chassidim and bnei Torah.

{Matzav.com}